July+7

=**SCKWP Summer 2006**=

Friday, July 7, 2006
Candlelight and James Taylor set an inviting ambience for personal writing from 8:30-9:00. Oh what I’d give for an evening away with James. ..

Florescent lights and the rattling arrival of the days’ snacks brought us back to reality.

Jeff took us immediately to the beginning chapters of //__Because Writing Matters.__// Particular attention was given to critical writing and incorporating writing in all fields of study. According to the author, teacher/student discussions and portfolios will aid in increasing student achievement. The group addressed the current uses of portfolios. Are we utilizing them as productively as possible?

A majority spoke with passion concerning roadblocks in the teaching of writing. Jeff suggested searching ourselves and planning changes in teaching for the fall. He suggested this area as a rich field for position papers.


 * Introductions**: Mary DeVries and Nancy Sturm.


 * __Article summaries__** are to be 1 to 2 pages in length. Wikispaces will be the vehicle of delivery.


 * __Research papers__**


 * __Position papers__****:** how are you going to improve student writing?

One **__creative piece__** (handed in each Friday) needs to be at least 3 pages (double spaced).

· Amy M. – believing in yourself · Julie – heartfelt letter to her husband · Joe – persevering through adversity · Shea – the rewards of struggle · Shelley A. – remembering playdoh · Mary – writing her first poem · Amy V. – being a mom · Shelly H. - on change
 * __Writing prompt__****:** Sally displayed a collection of quotes. We chose one, gave rationale for the choice and shared a writing inspired by the quote.


 * __Teacher Demo__**__:__ Nancy worked with us on revision techniques. She coached us through revamping 10 sentences of a current piece of our writing. Thanks for stretching us and causing us to delve into the archives for once learned information on verbs, metaphors, similes, personification, etc!


 * Reader’s Chair:** Shelly read from Maya Angelou’s //__Wouldn’t Take Nothin’ for My Journey Now.__//

“Howdy Joe!” The project continued on the misty patio of Andover’s **Timbuktu**. Umbrellas shaded our group as we sat in small clusters, building relationships and recording thoughts. Orders were taken after perusing the testosterone driven menu (Mary’s words!). An octet of young high school aged boys came soon after we were seated. They, however, exited the out of doors to dine instead, at an inside table. It was suggested that they could perhaps sense “teachers” and did not want to risk being too close in the off-season!
 * Lunch**

//Fun atmosphere, tasty repast, wonderful company!// (Kudos to the “outings” committee!)

Best wishes on your teacher demos this next week. I’ll be thinking of you and look forward to seeing you again soon! -- Shelly Hill